NHTSA Probes Ford F-150 Over Mysterious Gear Downshift Issues

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks in the U.S. due to unexpected gear downshifts and potential rear wheel lock-up. The probe covers trucks from model years 2015-2017 and may lead to a recall.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into approximately 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks in the United States. This move follows reports of these vehicles experiencing unforeseen gear downshifts while on highways, potentially leading to a brief rear wheel lock-up.

The probe focuses on F-150 models from 2015 to 2017 equipped with six-speed transmissions. Various drivers have reported unexpected and hazardous deceleration attributed to the transmission suddenly shifting down to lower gears during high-speed travel.

Ford is cooperating with the NHTSA inquiry, which will begin as a preliminary evaluation and could evolve into a broader investigation. A 2016 F-150 owner in Ohio described a terrifying experience where their truck automatically shifted from sixth to first gear on a highway, nearly causing a collision. This investigation could potentially result in significant recalls if safety risks are confirmed.

(With inputs from agencies.)